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Kohler Villager (K716) vs Kohler Bellwether (K838)
Hi. I've been researching bathtubs ad nauseum, and I think I've settled on a cast iron tub. I originally thought to buy an Americast tub because of weight (I'm installing it myself), but I've seen mixed reviews on them. I saw the Villager at Lowe's, but I was turned off by its shallowness. Does anyone have any experience with the Bellwether (K838)? Apparently, the K838 is the newer model of the K876, and it's 30 1/4" wide, which is perfect for my bathroom. I read something about tub drain installation issues with the K876, so I'm hoping the K838 doesn't have the same issues. Thanks.
Bellwether
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Bathing-Baths/Bellwether/brand/429305/429297.htm
Villager
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Villager...6scrollTop%3D0
Last edited by Terry; 08-28-2012 at 08:03 PM.
Ok, I just found the specs on the two Bellwether models. The K876's drain center is 11 7/8" from the tub flange, while the K838's drain center is 8 1/2" from the flange. My current tub is 8 1/2" from flange to drain center, so I'm leaning towards the K838.
I purchased the K838 today. I got a GREAT deal on it at about $100 more than Lowe's Villager price.
It's a nice looking tub but you do realize that both the K716 and the K838 are the same depth. (14")
John
Yeah, I did read closer later that it's the same depth as the Villager. Comparing it to the depth of my current tub, it will work just fine. I believe the basin is almost 5 inches longer than the Villager, which was one of my other concerns.Originally Posted by johnjh2o1
quote; The K876's drain center is 11 7/8" from the tub flange, while the K838's drain center is 8 1/2" from the flange.
That has absolutely NOTHING to do with the tub installation. The drain "outlet", NOT the drain in the bottom of the tub, is appoximately centered on the tub, and it is usually about 1" from the rough wall. I doubt that the "tub" is 5" longer, since there was a very small distance from any wall to the tub's basin. The K-876 was also a 32" wide x 16" high tub, which would probably not work for you.
Last edited by hj; 08-28-2012 at 02:28 PM.
Licensed residential and commercial plumber
I just installed a Kohler tub today.
We a lot of sales and work in the Seattle area.
The Bellwether is 48-3/4" on the lower well, the Villager is 45" on the lower well. That's because the Villager has more slope at the back, the Bellwether is more upright.
When Jamie and I toured the factory, they were pouring the Cast Iron Villager tubs. It's pretty cool watching the glowing molten iron being poured from the kettle into the form.
We also saw a lot of the Nuvi bowls in the porcelain building too.
The tub is in town, and it will be delivered on Wednesday. I got this "Shoulder Dolly" product to hopefully move this monster a little easier. Has anyone used the Shoulder Dolly?
http://shoulderdolly.com/products-2/...shoulderdolly/
Last edited by diydude; 08-31-2012 at 10:49 PM.
The tub arrived today - very nice. I like that the slope at the back of the tub isn't as dramatic as the Villager.
Last edited by Terry; 09-07-2012 at 07:08 AM.
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